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Nakool Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

An answer/ answer

Give ___ answer to this question.

1) a
2) an
3) the
4) Nothing required

Ans is 'an'

Could you please tell me with examples where we we use 'an answer' and where only 'answer' ? 
  

Top answer

"answer" is a singular countable noun, so it always needs an article or other determiner (with the possible exception of special idiomatic patterns, though I can't think of any offhand).

— GPY

  • "answer" is a singular countable noun, so it always needs an article or other determiner (with the possible exception of special idiomatic patterns, though I can't think of any offhand).
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16 Answers
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"answer" is a singular countable noun, so it always needs an article or other determiner (with the possible exception of special idiomatic patterns, though I can't think of any offhand).
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GPYwith the possible exception of special idiomatic patterns
As

In answer to your question, I'm from California.

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CalifJimIn answer to your question,
Oh yes, thanks, that's a good example.
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Could you please give some examples where we can use 'the answer'?
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Thanks GPY and CJ
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Do we always have to use 'an' before answer except for that idiomatic expression?
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The answer is, "I don't know the answer."
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Blue Jay, Can you explain where we have to use 'an' and 'the' with answer?
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Nakool Could you please give some examples where we can use 'the answer'?
What's the answer?
I don't know the answer.
It is the answer to our prayers.

I see no reason why "Give the answer to this question" should be wrong. I think that the question you quote in your original post is rather poor.
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Give ___ answer to this question.

A much more natural way to phrase this instruction is to use 'answer' as a verb.
ie Answer this question.
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